5 Experts in the automotive industry provide insights and tips on how to capitalize on special finance opportunities in your area
Rick has been with ProMax since 2013, selling the best automotive CRM/desking solution in the market to prospective dealers and partnering with existing dealers to achieve their sales goals.
Rick’s career in the automotive industry started in 2004 where he worked in sales at a KIA dealership. Rick sold 212 vehicles the first year, 304 the following year, and eventually topped off at 534 vehicles seven years later.
Rick used ProMax software alongside his own personal business plan to great success before moving into management.
“My goal is to help each dealership I work with become better in terms of follow-up, sales, and profit. I strive for the opportunity of partnering together with dealers to help them achieve their sales goals.”
Often referred to as the Grandfather of Special Finance, and the author of the book to prove it, Greg is a highly experienced automotive retail and finance professional who has owned and operated businesses in the automotive sector since 1979. Experience includes owning franchise and independent automobile dealerships in multiple states, franchised automotive repair facilities, a multi-state mortgage brokerage operation, two business-to-business trade publications in the retail automotive industry and auto finance industry, and a training, consulting and marketing company supporting automotive dealers and auto finance companies. Highly focused on sourcing, reconditioning, and retailing pre-owned vehicles. Has served as a professional moderator of dealer-peer consulting groups (20-groups) for over 17 years, and has significant experience as a top level testifying-expert witness in automotive civil and criminal cases as it pertains to dealership sales, service, and finance operations, as well as dealer-controlled finance operations, also known as “Buy-Here Pay-Here.” His passion is data analysis and strategy, combined with sales and marketing.
Paul Mertz Business Development Director Ganley Ford Barberton/Ganley Ford West. Paul started in automotive sales in 1995 and has worked in both Retail and Sub-Prime sales, Management and Business Development for 25 years.
Paul directly oversees the operations of the Business Development Center and Special Finance departments for both Ganley Ford locations.
Michelle Ouerfelli is Assistant Vice President, Dealer Development for Prestige Financial. Michelle is a Colorado native and has been with Prestige for 8 years. Before joining Prestige, Michelle spent more than 26 years in Sales and Finance Management in retail automotive. Michelle has a real passion for special finance and takes great pride in training and developing her team of reps as well as helping dealerships across the country implement effective and innovative business practices to ensure their success. Michelle has 2 amazing children and is extremely excited, soon-to-be grandmother in 2020, thanks to her son Mike and daughter in law, Sarah. Her daughter, Alayasia, is a tactical firefighter in Texas.
Jerry has spent over for 25 years in the automotive industry, including 18 years in retail automotive and 8 years with Prestige. Jerry’s retail experience started at the age of 19 as a Sales Representative for a Toyota franchise in Warner Robins, Ga, where his passion for automotive grew. Spending nearly all his 18 years in sales and finance management, his final 4 years afforded Jerry a fantastic opportunity to become General Manager of the very store that he started in, in 1994. In 2012, seeking new landscape, Jerry was hired on at Prestige as the marketing rep for Atlanta, Ga. Jerry gradually accepted more responsibilities as Assistant Vice President and most currently, Vice President of Dealer Development. Jerry’s passion for retail continues as he and his team strive to bring real-time solutions, practical application and innovation to dealerships across the country.
He has been married to his beautiful wife Stephanie for 11 years and has two boys—Bradley and Dawson, who are both High School graduates for the Class of 2020.
Jerry loves Utah winters and has found a love for “the best snow on earth”. His hobbies include his passion for music, movies, sports memorabilia and collectibles.
Jerry ‘s favorite quote is, “Today is your masterpiece” by John Wooden.
